Fast idle and sticking pivot shaft problems

[chdabren]

I have a 50 hp outboard Merc, not sure what year but I think it's early 80's. Anyway, it has a fast idle problem. Doesn't like to idle too good on it's own and fast idle has to be used till it's warm. This engine only has about 200 hours on it and is clean!! Second problem is a pivot shaft that doesn't move too easy. Any tips on what to do on either of these problems would be great. Thanks

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Fast idle and sticking pivot shaft problems

Poor idle problems when cold may be slightly lean idle mixture, once the motor is at full temp the idle mixture doesn't have to be quite as rich to idle.

The stiff pivot, are you talking about steering pivot or trim/tilt?

Steering cable/tube should be cleaned and lubed at least annually or muck accumulates causing the cable slide to 'stick' within the tube, making steering very stiff.

 

[chdabren]

Re: Fast idle and sticking pivot shaft problems

I'm talking about the tilt pivot. This engine doesn't have tilt/trim. Just tilt. The bracket doesn't want to pivot easily. You have to exert a good amount of force to get the engine to tilt up. Steering is fine. Thanks.

Chris

 

[chdabren]

Re: Fast idle and sticking pivot shaft problems

After further investigation, I've found that the steering/pivot shaft (where the Teleflex goes thru) is apparently the culprit. The way this bracket is designed, the Teleflex goes thru the bracket and that's also where the motor has it's tilt fulcrum. Has anyone else experienced problems with this? What is the best fix? This engine only has 200 hours on it if that and is VERY clean. Not even chipped or worn paint on the lower unit. I'm going to fix this problem and sell the motor. It runs fantastic (except for the fast idle issue) and is a solid motor. Any advice regarding freeing up that steering/pivot point would be great. Thank you in advance.

Chris